media release

SFU, China’s Jilin open bioarcheology research centre

In Changchun (Jilin Province) as part of a 15-day mission to China, Simon Fraser University President Andrew Petter announced today the launch of a new joint research centre on bioarchaeology with Jilin University (JLU). Led by SFU professor Dongya Yang, the Joint Centre for Bioarchaeological Research (JCBR) will provide faculty, scholars and students the opportunity to advance studies in both Canada and China.

“This joint research centre will create an effective platform for faculty and students from both SFU and JLU to conduct collaborative research in archaeology, and to gain overseas research experience in both China and Canada,” said Petter.

While SFU will begin receiving JLU’s visiting archaeology faculty and graduate students in January of 2014, this is not the first partnership between the two institutions.

The relationship extends back to 1983, when then President Bill Saywell led SFU’s first mission to explore overseas exchange opportunities in China, resulting in the signing of a 1985 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JLU.

“This relationship is historically significant, as JLU has been a partner of SFU’s for over 25 years, and we are pleased to be able to renew our institutional MOU to continue existing collaborations and explore new opportunities in the future,” added Petter.

The announcement is part of the SFU delegation’s 15-day trip to China, designed to deepen the university’s existing relationships, connect with alumni and friends, and launch the 50th anniversary advancement campaign in the region.

The visit includes alumni events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, as well as the signing of agreements with the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Beijing Institute of Technology.

About SFUSimon Fraser University is consistently ranked among Canada's top comprehensive universities and is one of the top 50 universities in the world under 50 years old. With campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey, B.C., SFU engages actively with the community in its research and teaching, delivers almost 150 programs to more than 30,000 students, and has more than 120,000 alumni in 130 countries.

About Jilin UniversityJilin University (JLU) is the largest university in China and is constantly rated among the top 10 universities in the country. Established in 1946, Jilin University (JLU) is a leading national university under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of China.

Located in Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province in Northeastern China, the University has eight campuses in six districts, which are home to forty-three colleges covering twelve academic disciplines.